Washington Irving was considered the preeminent American author of the early Romantic era. As such, most of his works contain elements consistent with Romantic ideals, including his short story The Devil and Tom Walker. Through literary elements such as diction, imagery, tone, syntax, and figurative language, Irving portrays Tom Walker in a negative light. In a broader sense, however, Irving's use of these literary elements goes beyond the simple characterization of Tom Walker, as the entire story can be seen as an allegory criticizing society during the Industrial Revolution. Irving uses diction masterfully to portray Walker's greed. To achieve this, Irving uses vivid and specific descriptors. This is the pinnacle of Romantic Era writing. For example, the author does not simply describe Walker as a bad man, but uses words that evoke the most negative emotions possible in the reader. This can be evidenced towards the end of the play where Irving states, “He built himself, as usual, a large house, for ostentation, but left the greater part of it unfinished and unfurnished, for thrift” (Irving 266). Ostentation refers to an excessive, lavish, and even vulgar display of one's wealth or success. Rather than simply being arrogant or haughty, this word describes an almost harmful action. Likewise, thrift refers to the most extreme form of stinginess, beyond frugality or parsimony. As such, Irving describes Walker as simultaneously having the will to flaunt his wealth and protect it at the same time. While Tom's greed is easily seen through this turn of phrase, the reader can also infer that Irving is making a criticism of the industrialists of the time, always eager to flaunt... middle of paper...f Washington Irving's implementation of literary elements in his story The Devil and Tom Walker, it becomes clear that the characterization of his protagonist is certainly negative. Irving associates Walker with corruption, greed, and evil. However, this characterization of Tom Walker goes beyond simply providing entertaining narration for Irving's readers. The Devil and Tom Walker being an allegory of the society of Irving's time, the reader can see Tom Walker's characterization as a harsh criticism of the banking and industrial system of the time. Likewise, Irving appears to be warning of the impending disaster to which such a society could lead, a belief commonly held by Romantics like him. Works Cited Irving, Washington. "The Devil and Tom Walker." 1824. The American Experience. Boston: PearsonPrentice Hall, 2007. 258-68. Press